Gathering of family and friends 4-8 PM Monday, March 17th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. Celebration of Joe's Life 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 18th Eaglebrook Church, White Bear Lake Campus, 2401 East Buffalo Street, White Bear Lake with a gathering of friends and family beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

My sincere condolences to you and your family. (Revelation 21:4) make the promise, where death will be going forever. What a beautiful promise that we all look forward, from our loving Creator, Jehovah God, (Psalm 83:18). May the God of peace be with you and your family.

Sincerely Yours,
Brandy Molina

Mike Trexler
on
Apr 13, 2014

joe, the only memories of schofield barracks I have include the times we spent hanging out at your house on your back porch. You were a true mentor to me and someone I'll tell stories about for the rest of my life. Thank you for making me a better soldier and a better person.

J Johnson
on
Apr 4, 2014

My sincere condolences to the family of Joseph A. Mertes - I am sorry to hear of your loss. The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future including hope of everlasting life (John 17:3).

Renee Damchik
on
Mar 23, 2014

Joe, you were my dad's best friend and your passing is a terrible loss not only to him, but to our entire family. I will always remember you as the happy, smart, fun, loving man that you were. You are in a better place now and I am glad you no longer have to suffer. You will be severely loved and missed by the countless lives you touched.

Karen and Bill Ruben
on
Mar 21, 2014

Sharon, we are so, so sorry for your loss. What a handsome young man. And, from reading all the wonderful words describing his smile, humor and dedication - You were blessed.

Ron Miller, Post Chaplain
on
Mar 20, 2014

On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Joe's military service to our nation.

Misi Stine
on
Mar 18, 2014

I could not attend the afternoon gathering at Stella's so I would like to share my memory of the last time Joe worked at my house. It was the first week of August, the week he was diagnosed. He built a dog shelter for his good buddy Chico, and took down a couple of trees and tons of brush/saplings from my yard. We worked together on the project, and had great conversation and many laughs together. The thing that amazed me is that as sick as he was, he tried to hide the pain, and worked so hard all three days. He got upset with me when I tried to pick up anything he thought was heavy. The last load of brush we took to recycling was much taller than the trailer but somehow Joe took the whole pile off in one big pull. I will miss our conversations, his warm hugs, his sense humor and sarcasm, how incredibly intelligent he was, and his amazing smile. I never quite got him over the fear of my snakes, but he was getting there. Hopefully he is looking down and appreciating them in a new way.

Joe- I will miss you, but you will always be in my heart. Thank you for coming into my life and making it a better place.

Betty Knott
on
Mar 17, 2014

Dear Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss..You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please email me. Would love to connect with you. Love you:-)

Mark, Zoey, Taylor & Brooke Glumack
on
Mar 17, 2014

Anthonie, Brytanie, Zach, Liv and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. We have had the pleasure of getting to know your Dad and his goofy sense of humor over the years thru hockey and Scandia Elem. He will be missed dearly. We are thinking of you and praying for you all during this difficult time.

Tom, Melanie, Matt & Rachel Skoglund
on
Mar 15, 2014

Anthonie, Brytanie, Zach and Liv,

Your dad has always been a VERY bright light in our lives. There are so many memories from hockey that make us smile...won't share them all now, but happy to whenever you need a little laugh!

We will miss him dearly...until we meet him again.

May God grant you peace and comfort.

Michael Perreault
on
Mar 15, 2014

Joe, we only met a few times but made a huge impression. I am so totally amazed at the number of people who know you and never an unkind word was said. You are such an inspiration on how to live a meaningful life. Even though your time was shortened you mark on so many is everlasting.

Robin Mertes
on
Mar 14, 2014

Joe....I have spent most of my life loving you and will spend the rest of it loving you as well! Thank you for three of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received...I will be eternally grateful. I'm glad that you will continue to guide me and help me be the best parent I can be. Thank you for giving me faith in GOD. I feel blessed to have been a part of your journey.

Tina Stevens
on
Mar 14, 2014

Joe just being Joe!!! We love you and will miss you so!!! God bless your whole family during this difficult time! We are in Hawaii and won't be back in time. In tribute we are sending out a Lei for you!!!

Nick
on
Mar 14, 2014

God could not have gained a stronger soul, Fly on my friend, your family and friends carry with them forever your heart and love
NW

Patty DeNero Monk ~ Steven Monk
on
Mar 13, 2014

ALL things have a purpose in our lives . Though we never met in person , I feel honored to at least have "known 'about' you" . Your wife and kids made you sound like Superman ! And from the rest of planets prayers and comments , I don't doubt it !! This is the beginning of the next stage of your journey ! Travel near or travel far , nobody has to worry where you are . By the GRACE of GOD !

Jack Dunkle
on
Mar 13, 2014

Joe was a very good Dad that helped his kids to be what they are today (Great). He was a good son in law and a good soldier and all around nice guy. Go with God son

Jack Dunkle

Eric Wuotila family
on
Mar 12, 2014

I rarely saw Joe without a smile on his face- his smile will be lighting up Heaven and it will shine down on those he left behind. He will be dearly missed by many.

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Reviews

I just wanted to let you know how much it meant to myself and my family the great compassion, kindness and care you showed us while taking care of my Dad, funeral preparations and service. You made what could have been a horrible experience in a loving cherished memory for us. Words just can’t express my gratitude. Your great spirit will never be forgotten!

No words could explain the gratitude my whole family felt through this tough time. You will never know the difference you made, expressed by each one of my family members. We never knew what to expect, but you and your staff made us feel so warmly welcomed, safe, confident, & secure. You brought & carried us through something we really haven’t had to go through. We thank God for you & your ministry, you & Tim are in the right place. Forever thankful, forever grateful, you guys are the best!